Management of infertility in low resource countries

Infertility is a global problem, but the highest prevalence is in low resource countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where infection-related tubal damage is the commonest cause. Most infections causing tubal damage are preventable and assisted conception can treat the infertility. However, assisted conception, despite being available for nearly three decades is either unavailable or inaccessible to most residents of resource poor countries. Infertility has social, economic and personal effects, which go beyond childlessness, and women bear the major brunt of the burden. There is urgent need for a comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare initiative involving maternal and child health, safe abortions, family planning and infertility prevention and management. The provision of low cost assisted reproduction for couples in poorly resourced countries also needs to be revisited.